WRC champion Sebastien Ogier says he had to sweat blood in Sweden
World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier says he had to "sweat blood" to win Rally Sweden last weekend, describing it as one of the hardest-earned victories of his career
The reigning WRC champion came from behind after a mistake on Friday and two days of running in difficult road conditions to snatch victory when Volkswagen team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen spun on the final stage.
Ogier has been a vehement opponent of the 2015 rules that force the championship leader to run first on the road on the first two days of WRC rounds, but he warned he is determined to be a threat everywhere despite that disadvantage.
"I'm very proud of this win, because we really had to sweat blood and tears to get it," said Ogier.
"We have probably never pushed so much in a rally from start to finish.
"Given the difficult conditions we were going to have by being first on the road, we decided on our strategy at the start of the rally: risk everything.
"Either it would work out and we'd increase our lead in the championship or a poor result would mean we would start in a good road position at the next rally.
"It worked out well and now the points are in the bag.
"After a near-perfect start to the season, I'm going to do everything I can to score as many points as possible in Mexico."
The Frenchman's second Sweden win makes him the most successful non-Scandinavian in the rally's history, but he said the greatest significance was the message it sent to the opposition.
"This result is satisfying to prove that even with the big handicap I am still able to win," Ogier told AUTOSPORT.
"But it is very important because mentally for the others it's a strong show to them: remember, who is the boss. I like that."
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